The additive effect of cognitive challenge in Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises on motor, psychological and cognitive functions in older adults with peripheral vestibular disorder

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Motor Behavior, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.22089/mbj.2026.19703.2291
Abstract
Peripheral vestibular disorder is a common condition among older adults that can impair balance, functional independence, and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding cognitive challenges to Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises on motor, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in older adults with peripheral vestibular disorder. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design involving 40 older adults with peripheral vestibular disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Cawthorne–Cooksey exercise group with cognitive challenges (n = 20) or a Cawthorne–Cooksey exercise group without cognitive challenges (n = 20). Both groups completed an 8-week intervention consisting of three 45-minute sessions per week. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the computerized Stroop Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ). Results: Mixed-design analysis of variance revealed significant improvements in balance in both groups following the intervention, with no significant between-group differences. However, participants in the Cawthorne–Cooksey exercise group with cognitive challenges demonstrated significantly greater improvements in cognitive performance, as assessed by the Stroop Test and WCST, as well as significantly greater reductions in fear of falling avoidance behavior measured by the FFABQ, compared with those performing Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises alone. Conclusion: Incorporating cognitive challenges into Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises may provide additional benefits beyond balance improvement by enhancing cognitive function and reducing fear of falling avoidance behavior in older adults with peripheral vestibular disorder. This combined intervention may serve as an effective rehabilitation strategy for this population.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 October 2026

  • Receive Date 06 August 2026
  • Revise Date 26 September 2026
  • Accept Date 05 October 2026